University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Graduate College

Thesis and

Dissertation Manual

Foreword

This manual is neither a style manual nor a guide to writing. The goal of this manual is to specify clearly and briefly the format requirements for University of Northern Iowa theses and dissertations. The purpose of these requirements is to impose uniformity in manuscripts by individuals from various disciplines. This manual supersedes all previous thesis and dissertation guidelines published by the University of Northern Iowa.

Originally approved by the Graduate Council, University of Northern Iowa, April 9, 1981

Revised edition, December 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1

General Nature of Thesis Option 1

Thesis Committee 2

Research Credit for Thesis Work 2

Responsibilities 2

The Candidate 2

The Thesis Advisor 3

The Thesis Committee 3

The Graduate College 3

Human Participants in Research 3

Animal Subjects in Research 4

Titling the Manuscript 4

Scope of the Manual 4

Format and Style 5 Graduate College Requirements 5

Word Processing/Printing 5

Paper 6

Margins 6

Spacing 6

Corrections 7

Pagination 7

Page Numbering 7

The Order of the Thesis/Dissertation Pages 7

Copyright Page 8

Abstract and Thesis Title Pages - Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees 8

Abstract and Dissertation Title Pages – Doctoral Degrees 8

Abstract 8

Thesis Approval Page - Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees 9

Dedication 9

Acknowledgments 9

Table of Contents 9

List of Tables/List of Figures 10

Tables, Figures, and Other Illustrations 10

Special Materials 11

Mathematical and Chemical Notations 11

Headings and Subheadings 12

References/Bibliography/Works Cited 12

Appendices 13

Master of Music, Recital Requirement 13

Studio Thesis Guidelines 13

Preview 14

Submission Guidelines 14

Thesis (Master’s and Specialist in Education) 15

Dissertation (Doctoral) 16

Survey of Earned Doctorates Form 17

Fees and Costs 18

Department Style Manuals 18

Approved Style Manuals 19

Appendix: Sample Pages 20

Sample Thesis Abstract Title Page - Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees 21

Sample Thesis Title Page - Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees 22

Sample Dissertation Abstract Title Page - Doctoral Degrees 23

Sample Dissertation Title Page - Doctoral Degrees 24

Sample Thesis Approval Page - Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees 25

Sample Table of Contents 26

Sample List of Tables 27

Sample List of Figures 27

Instructions for Formatting Dot Leaders 28

Instructions for Formatting Section Breaks – Thesis 29

Instructions for Formatting Section Breaks – Dissertation 30

iii

INTRODUCTION

In the Graduate College of the University of Northern Iowa, a thesis is an option for most master's degrees and is required for some master's programs and specialist’s degrees (see current University of Northern Iowa Catalog of Courses for specific requirements). For degrees beyond the specialist's degree, a thesis is always required. A doctoral thesis is often distinguished from those written by candidates for master's and specialist's degrees by the term "dissertation." In this manual, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "thesis" refers to the master’s and specialist's thesis, and the doctoral dissertation. Students in a non-thesis program should consult with their graduate program for information.

At the University of Northern Iowa, a thesis is a scholarly contribution to knowledge. The thesis presents research that has been conducted under the supervision of a Graduate Faculty member approved as the thesis chairperson. The document must not have been published previously, and the research must be defended successfully in an oral presentation. The student, the chairperson, and the student's thesis committee are responsible for ensuring that the paper is presented in acceptable scholarly style and correct form. Such matters as length and organization of material are at the discretion of the student and the student's thesis committee.

The detailed instructions in this guide intend to lend a uniform appearance to theses at the University of Northern Iowa and must be followed by all disciplines. Although it is recognized that papers from divergent areas of study will exhibit differences, certain requirements of format are necessary. A variety of style manuals is available (see Appendix) to assist students in writing a thesis. If any points in the style manual required by your department differ from any rules in this manual, the rules in this manual take precedence.

This manual specifies the procedures and standards applicable to theses and to documentation of music recitals and history final projects submitted to the Graduate College of the University of Northern Iowa in partial fulfillment of a graduate degree. The guidelines in this manual are concerned with editorial style--the rules and guidelines necessary to ensure clear, consistent presentation of the printed word. Editorial style concerns uniform use of punctuation and abbreviations, construction of tables, selection of headings, and citation of references, as well as many other elements that are part of every manuscript. The minimum specifications described in this booklet must be met in order for a thesis to be accepted. Please do not use earlier theses as models for style and format because they may not reflect current standards and requirements.

Most of the format and style used in this thesis manual is not acceptable for theses/dissertations. Please follow written guidelines as well as the samples in the Appendix. Most style manuals are written for authors preparing manuscripts that will later be submitted for publication. Because a thesis is submitted in final form to the Graduate College, it must satisfy the Graduate College's specific requirements, even if these requirements depart from the individual style manual. Definitions, policies, and procedures described in this manual are subject to change. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the current Graduate College Calendar, and any pertinent related materials, and to prepare and submit the required thesis in accordance with requirements in effect at the time of submission. If students or advisors have any questions concerning the rules and procedures, please call the Graduate College (319-273-2748).

GENERAL NATURE OF THESIS OPTION

A thesis is required of all candidates who choose the thesis option. The thesis may take the form of a study, an experiment, a survey, a composition, or a creative work or project and may delve deeply into some aspect of a specialized academic field or may concern itself with methodology and materials of instruction. The preparation of a thesis should develop in the student a broader understanding of the world's knowledge and a more genuine appreciation of the research efforts of others. The student following the thesis option should make at least a tentative selection of a topic by the end of his or her first semester of graduate study.

THESIS COMMITTEE

The thesis committee consists of three or more University of Northern Iowa Graduate Faculty--the student's thesis advisor as thesis chairperson and two or more additional Graduate Faculty members. Usually at least one of these additional members will be from outside the student's major department. The committee assists the student in further defining and supervising the student's research and eventually accepts or rejects the thesis.

The committee for the Doctor of Education Degree is selected by the student in consultation with the Associate Dean of the College of Education. The membership of the committee will include at least four UNI Graduate Faculty members, one of whom is from outside the student’s department. The committee for the Doctor of Industrial Technology degree is selected by the student in consultation with the Head of the Department of Technology and the Graduate Coordinator. The membership of the committee will consist of at least five UNI Graduate Faculty members; two of whom must be from outside the department of Technology. Additional members above these minimums may be added and are not required to be members of the UNI Graduate Faculty. Formal work on the dissertation for either degree may not proceed without approval from the respective committee.

The appropriate Thesis or Dissertation Committee Approval Form should be submitted to the Graduate College for approval as soon as the committee is selected and approved by the department. The forms are available on the Graduate College website at http://www.grad.uni.edu/thesis-dissertation/thesis-forms

These are “fillable” forms; please open in Adobe Acrobat, fill out on the computer, and print on plain white paper. Obtain the required signatures before submitting to the Graduate College for final approval.

NOTE: Handwritten forms will not be accepted.

RESEARCH CREDIT FOR THESIS WORK

The total number of hours of research credit for thesis work may vary with individual programs. Most master's programs include a 6-hour research credit requirement. The Master of Science, Specialist in Education, and Doctoral programs may have different research hour requirements or conditions. However, in all cases, to earn thesis credit the student must register for the appropriately numbered Research course, usually not more than 3 hours in any semester. Students who have completed their program except the thesis or dissertation, and who have passed their comprehensive exam, must be continuously registered until the degree is completed. For more information, refer to the UNI Catalog and consult with your advisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

THE CANDIDATE

The candidate's minimum responsibilities for the thesis are:

1. Organizing and presenting content accurately, readably, and usefully;

2. Composing in a clear and correct form (e.g., organization, sentence structure, paragraphing, punctuation, spelling, and grammar);

3. Assuring correct form and accuracy of information in quotations, footnotes, bibliographic citations, tables, and other illustrative materials as outlined in the most current edition of the style manual approved by the student's major department;

4. Supplying thesis materials which meet the requirements of this manual;

5. Verifying with the Graduate College that an approved thesis committee approval form is on file;

6. Arranging with the Graduate College Reviewer for a thesis preview to review the style and format. The preview should be with a "final draft" of the thesis that is formatted following the most recent edition of the department style manual and the specifications outlined in this manual. No thesis will be accepted by the Graduate College for approval without this preview.

7. Format the thesis as one Word document, using section breaks to accommodate the page numbering requirements. The student will need to submit an electronic copy as well as a printed copy of the final thesis. You will find instructions for section breaks on pages 29 and 30 of this manual.

8. Checking for errors prior to submission to the Graduate College Office. If an excessive number of errors are found, the Graduate College Reviewer will not finish reading the thesis, and the student will be notified of that finding. The student then will be obliged to assure that the thesis has been carefully edited before resubmitting the thesis.

9. Meeting Graduate College deadlines. The candidate must submit all materials by the Graduate College deadline date in order to be eligible to graduate that semester.

10. Making corrections as indicated by the thesis committee and the Graduate College Reviewer. (Meeting the submission deadline does not guarantee graduation for that semester. Students must accurately complete all corrections and the University Record Sheet must be submitted to the Registrar before the last day of the semester in order to make the deadline as a graduate of the submission semester.)

THE THESIS ADVISOR

Although the student bears the primary responsibility for the thesis, the thesis advisor is expected to guide and counsel the student during its preparation. In particular, the advisor should suggest or require specific improvements in organization, form, content, and expression. The signature of the thesis advisor is required on all theses. The advisor's signature certifies that the student's thesis:

1. Represents an original and valuable contribution to knowledge;

2. Is a clear and accurate description of the work performed;

3. Incorporates suggestions for improvements made by the advisor and the thesis committee;

4. Is presented in acceptable scholarly style and correct form as outlined in the current edition of the style manual approved by the student's major department and meets the highest standards of written expression.

THE THESIS COMMITTEE

The committee has the responsibility for evaluating the thesis critically and suggesting corrections or improvements. The committee also has the responsibility for certifying that the student is competent in the subject area contained in the thesis and is able to communicate his or her scholarly or creative efforts to others with a high degree of skill. The committee will also assist the student in following the writing style as designated by the department. Original signatures of all committee members are required on all thesis approval pages to indicate final approval has been given.

THE GRADUATE COLLEGE

The Graduate College is responsible for assuring that the thesis meets the standards established by the Graduate Faculty of the University of Northern Iowa. The Graduate College is responsible for checking those features of completed theses specified in this manual. The Graduate College maintains the right to request corrections and can reject manuscripts that do not follow the rules set forth in this guide. The Graduate College maintains a list of style manuals approved by departments (see Appendix) and assists students with special problems of thesis production. The signature of the Dean of the Graduate College is a certification that the thesis meets the standards of the Graduate Faculty.

HUMAN PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH

It is the concern of the University of Northern Iowa that no research sponsored by, supported by, or conducted at UNI by its faculty, staff, and students exposes persons who participate as subjects to unreasonable risks to their health, general well-being, or privacy.

Student research projects that involve human participants must be conducted in compliance with the University policy for protection of human subjects. Students planning such projects must consult their thesis advisors about University human subject regulations before beginning any research activities that involve human participants. Further information about these regulations and human subject forms are available from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs website: http://www.uni.edu/rsp/

ANIMAL SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH

The University of Northern Iowa takes responsibility for humane care and use of animals used in research projects. The University is committed to comply with the National Research Council Guide to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the provisions of the U. S. Animal Welfare Act, and applicable federal, state, local and university laws and regulations.

Student research projects that involve animal subjects must be conducted in compliance with the University policy for protection of animal subjects. Students planning such projects must consult their thesis advisors about University animal subject regulations before beginning any research activities that involve animal subjects. Further information about these regulations and the Animal Care and Use Protocol form are available from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs website: http://www.uni.edu/rsp/